An avid golfer from Worksop has claimed a Guinness World Record by running a half marathon with a full set of 13 golf clubs on her back to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.
Sophie Godley is a member of Worksop Golf Club, took on the 13.1-mile Manchester Half Marathon race on Sunday, October 12, setting a new Guinness World Record for the Fastest Half Marathon Carrying Golf Clubs (Female).
Sophie – who finished the race in 02:21:57, achieving her target of under 2 hours and 30 minutes – took part in the race in honour of her cousin Jake, who has a rare genetic condition that makes him more likely to develop bowel cancer.
All funds raised by Sophie will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
At the time of writing, Sophie has raised over £2,115 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.
“Golf has been a passion of mine since I was 8 years old, and one of the biggest reasons I got into the sport was because of my cousin Jake,” Sophie explained.
“Jake has carried my golf bag through countless rounds, including one unforgettable trip to Spain where I made my first ever hole-in-one at the age of 14.
“That moment is etched in my memory—not just for the shot, but because he was right there beside me.”
In January 2021, at just 32 years old, Jake was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Gardner’s Syndrome. This leaves him prone to developing small growths in his bowel which are likely to turn into bowel cancer.
Jake had his colon removed as a precaution after hundreds of these small growths –known as polyps – were found in his bowel, small intestine and stomach.
Sophie’s ran last week’s race to show her support for Jake, raise awareness for Gardner’s Syndrome, and support research and treatment for bowel cancer.
“Jake underwent a major surgery, a proctocolectomy, to remove his colon in hopes of staying ahead of the cancer. But this condition has no cure,” Sophie explained.
“Jake’s strength, humour, and resilience through all of this have inspired me, so it was my turn to carry something for him.
“I was so overwhelmed by the amount of support whilst doing the half marathon and I’m proud to say that I have raised over £2,000 for Bowel Cancer UK. I’d love for Jake to get his voice heard and to share his story with many more people.”
Karina Norton-Amor, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sophie for selecting Bowel Cancer UK as her chosen charity as she broke a world record at this year’s Manchester Half Marathon.
“Every 12 minutes, someone like Jake is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money Sophie raises will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
“We hope that Sophie knows the difference that her support will make, and that many other people will be inspired by her efforts.”
You can support Sophie and Jake and donate to Bowel Cancer UK by visiting Sophie’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/godleygolf
